The answer is: Light

Gen 1:3 - God first created light, but this wasn't light from the sun as this wasn't created until later.

In Genesis 1:3, we’re treated to one of the most impactful first acts of creation: God speaks, "Let there be light." How fascinating that light, in its ethereal form, precedes all other creations. It's a crucial concept, highlighting that before anything else could exist—day, land, stars, or life itself—there had to be illumination in the darkness. It infers that light represents not just physical brilliance but divine clarity and inspiration too.

Think about how throughout the Bible, light symbolizes knowledge and goodness, while darkness often embodies ignorance or evil. The New Testament even echoes this concept by referring to Jesus as "the light of the world" (John 8:12), tying back to that initial spark of creation where everything starts with light.

An interesting piece of trivia here: did you know that in various ancient cultures, creation myths often begin with chaos—symbolized by darkness—gradually giving birth to light? This commonality suggests that humanity has recognized light's importance since time immemorial, establishing connections across stories and beliefs.

Moreover, when it was revealed that this light wasn't the sun, it adds yet another layer to the meaning. The sun, representing physical life, wasn’t the source of creative power, reminding us that God's presence transcends mere physical elements. Hence, in a world bursting with distractions, this primal act reaffirms the enduring significance of seeking clarity—and maybe revisiting that simple command: to let there be light in our lives!